Storage and dispensing package for batteries and other objects

Abstract

The present invention comprises a device for the convenient storage and controlled dispensing of objects, and includes at least the following components. A shell with a generally hollow interior cavity, an advancement slot, and at least one dispenser opening. A cartridge for location within the hollow interior cavity of the shell, such that the cartridge can be removed and contained within the shell. The cartridge optionally includes a cartridge belt disposed about the cartridge plate, wherein the cartridge belt is capable of receiving the objects for storage and dispensing. Captured within the advancement slot of the shell is an advancement arm comprising a first end for selective advancement of the objects and a second end to allow for control over the advancement arm in advancing the objects towards the dispensing opening of the shell, and for control of the advancement arm in retracting the advancement arm after dispensing.

We claim: 
     
       1. device for the convenient storage and controlled dispensing of objects, said device comprising: a) a shell comprising a generally hollow interior cavity, an advancement slot, and a dispenser opening;   b) a cartridge locatable within said generally hollow interior cavity of said shell and removably contained therein;   c) a cartridge belt disposable about said cartridge and capable of receiving the objects for storage and dispensing on said cartridge belt; and   d) an advancement arm captureable within said advancement slot of said shell, comprised of a first end for selective advancement of the objects, and a second end to allow control over the advancement arm in advancing the objects toward said dispenser opening for dispensing and for control over the advancement arm in retracting said advancement arm after dispensing.   
     
     
       2. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said cartridge belt is continuously disposed about said cartridge plate. 
     
     
       3. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said cartridge belt further comprises an adhesive surface for the releasable securement of the objects. 
     
     
       4. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said cartridge belt further comprises Separators for the capture of individual objects. 
     
     
       5. The invention in accordance with claim 4 wherein said first end of said advancement arm further comprises a double pronged split-yoke for engaging said separators of said cartridge belt thereby advancing the objects. 
     
     
       6. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said advancement arm slides within said advancement slot of said shell to accomplish said advancing and retracting. 
     
     
       7. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first end of said advancement arm engages with the objects to accomplish said selective advancement of the objects. 
     
     
       8. The invention in accordance with claim 7 wherein said first end of said advancement arm further comprises a base having a magnetic insert for physical and magnetic engagement with the objects. 
     
     
       9. The invention in accordance with claim 8 wherein said first end of said advancement arm further comprises a split-yoke of sufficient separation to straddle the objects during engagement, said split-yoke lying between said base and said second end of said advancement arm. 
     
     
       10. The invention in accordance with claim 7 wherein said second end of said advancement arm further comprises a locking thumb for releasable engagement with said advancement slot of said shell, and for convenient advancing and retracting when released therefrom. 
     
     
       11. The invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a perch engaged with said shell proximate to said dispenser opening for supporting the objects after advancing and during dispensing of the objects. 
     
     
       12. The invention in accordance with claim 11 wherein said perch is hingeably engaged with said shell. 
     
     
       13. The invention in accordance with claim 11 wherein said perch further comprises a magnet for magnetic engagement and support of the objects. 
     
     
       14. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said cartridge further comprises: a) a cartridge plate wherein said cartridge belt is disposed thereabouts; and   b) a pair of side rails disposed on either side of said cartridge plate thereby preventing movement of said cartridge belt in a direction transverse to the direction of advancing.   
     
     
       15. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shell further comprises a cartridge insertion opening opposite to said dispenser opening for insertion and removal of said cartridge. 
     
     
       16. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shell further comprises a pair of retention guides interiorly disposed to releasably contain said cartridge. 
     
     
       17. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein dispenser opening of said shell comprises a ejection hole of sufficient diameter to allow for insertion of a tool to eject said cartridge. 
     
     
       18. A device for the convenient storage and controlled dispensing of objects, said device comprising: a) a shell comprising a generally hollow interior and a dispenser opening;   b) a cartridge locatable within said generally hollow interior cavity of said shell and removably contained therein;   c) a cartridge belt disposable about said cartridge and capable of receiving the objects for storage and dispensing on said cartridge belt, said cartridge belt having a free end wherein a force applied to said free end advances the objects; and   d) a perch engaged with said shell proximate to said dispenser opening and having a magnetic insert capable of magnetic engagement with the objects upon advancement of the objects.   
     
     
       19. A device for the convenient storage and controlled dispensing of a material, said device comprising: a) a shell comprising an enclosed generally hollow interior cavity having a dispenser opening and a partially enclosed portion having an advancement slot;   b) a cartridge removeably contained within said partially enclosed portion of said shell having a material feed slot, and an open interior for retaining said material to allow for feeding the material through said feed slot; and   c) an advancement arm captureable within said advancement slot of said shell, comprised of a first end for selective advancement of the material, and a second end to allow control over the advancement arm in advancing the material toward said dispenser opening for dispensing and for control over the advancement arm in retracting said advancement arm after dispensing.   
     
     
       20. A method for the convenient storage and dispensing of objects, said method comprising: a) providing a device comprising: i) a shell comprising a generally hollow interior cavity, an advancement slot, and a dispenser opening;   ii) a cartridge locatable within said generally hollow interior cavity of said shell;   iii) a cartridge belt disposable about said cartridge; and   iv) an advancement arm captureable within said advancement slot of said shell, comprised of a first end and a second end;     b) storing the objects on said cartridge belt of said cartridge;   c) inserting for removable containment said cartridge into said generally hollow interior cavity of said shell;   d) advancing the objects with said first end of said advancement arm toward said dispenser opening of said shell through exertion of a force on said second end of said advancement arm;   e) dispensing the objects therefrom; and   f) retracting said advancement arm through exertion of a force on said second end of said advancement arm.